Here's what makes it a "hard" break:
* No fade-out or transition: Unlike a soft break, which might use a gradual fade or a visual transition, a hard break is immediate and jarring.
* Sound effect: A distinct sound effect emphasizes the abrupt change and helps the viewer understand that the program is ending.
* Used for clear separation: This technique is often used to clearly separate different segments of a program, such as commercials from the main show, or to signal the end of one program and the beginning of another.
Examples of "hard breaks" in TV:
* The loud buzzer sound that signifies the end of a commercial break and the return to a show.
* The sudden cut from a news bulletin to a weather report with a dramatic chime sound.
The use of hard breaks varies depending on the type of program. News programs and talk shows tend to use them more frequently than scripted dramas or sitcoms.